American and British English: Differences in Grammar

These two varieties of English are very similar that most American
and British speakers can understand each other without great difficulty.
There are, however, a few differences of grammar, vocabulary and
spelling. The following guide is meant to point out the principal differences
between American English (AE) and British English (BE).

Differences in Grammar

Use of the Present Perfect

The British use the present perfectto talk about a past
action which has an effect on the present moment. In American English both
simple pastand present perfect are possible in such
situations.

I have lost my pen. Can you lend me yours? (BE)

I lost my pen. OR I have lost my pen. (AE)

He has gone home. (BE)

He went home. OR He has gone home. (AE)

Other differences include the use of already, justand
yet. The British use the present perfect with these adverbs of
indefinite time. In American English simple past and present perfect are both
possible.

He has just gone home. (BE)

He just went home. OR He has just gone home. (AE)

I have already seen this movie. (BE)

I have already seen this movie. OR I already saw this movie. (AE)

She hasn't come yet. (BE)

She hasn't come yet. OR She didn't come yet. (AE)

Possession

The British normally use have got to show possession. In
American English have (in the structure do you have) and have gotare both possible.

Have you got a car? (BE)

Do you have a car? OR Have you got a car? (AE)

Use of the verb Get

In British English the past participle of getis got.
In American English the past participle of get is gotten,
except when have got means have.

He has got a prize. (BE)

He has gotten a prize. (AE)

I have got two sisters. (BE)

I have got two sisters. (=I have two sisters.)(AE)

Will/Shall

In British English it is fairly common to use shall with the
first person to talk about the future. Americans rarely use shall.

I shall/will never forget this favour. (BE)

I will never forget this favour. (AE)

In offers the British use shall. Americans use
should.

Shall I help you with the homework? (BE)

Should I help you with the homework? (AE)

Need

In British English needn'tand don't need to are both
possible. Americans normally use don't need to.